Turf Services Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 6m 14.50s

My Monty¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Benjamin Poste| T: H J Evans| OR: 100

7/4

On first start for current yard, shaped better than previously when third in novice at Hereford (21.7f) in January. In-and-out form since, but upped in trip he ran well when fourth of 7 in handicap at Warwick (25f, good) last time. Respected.

Form: F3735-4

Native Moon⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: Alan Johns| T: V R A Dartnall| OR: 99

10/3

Down the field in a bumper and on hurdling debut. However, some promise on his last 2 starts, shaping as if better for the run after 4 months off when third in a Hereford maiden (19.7f, good) in April. One to note upped in trip for his handicap bow.

Form: 6743-

Release The Kraken^v¹¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: S Bowen| T: M Keighley| OR: 84

5/2

Modest maiden hurdler for Nicky Richards, before failing to complete all 3 starts for Laura Morgan in 2022/23. Hasn't fared much better both outings for current yard, well-beaten fourth in handicap at Southwell in February. Has enough to prove.

Form: 4UPP/P4-

Arctic Lodge¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-8| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: D J Jeffreys| OR: 80

4/1

Modest form on first 4 starts over hurdles, before well held on his chase debut sole outing in 2023/24. After 11 months off, below expectations in handicap hurdle at Kelso (20.9f, good) 18 days ago, but he remains lightly raced as he goes up in trip.

Form: P544/4-0

Non-Runners

Lady Mendoza¹

Weight: 11-10| Age: 7

T: R Menzies J: Non Runner

Hammer Dan¹¹⁴

Weight: 10-2| Age: 6

T: D Pipe J: James Davies

Forecasts

My Monty (7/4), Release The Kraken (5/2), Lady Mendoza (5/2), Native Moon (10/3), Arctic Lodge (4/1), Hammer Dan (15/2)

LADY MENDOZA made a promising return from a break when second to an improver at Musselburgh in November and, with more still to offer as a stayer, she looks to hold leading claims if taking up this engagement. My Monty produced one of his better efforts when fourth at Warwick 15 days ago and is next on the list, ahead of handicap-debutant Native Moon.